Under the pseudonym Van Droo, Rob van den Oord, born on March 8, 1965 in Oisterwijk, the Netherlands, shows his other side. In addition to being a designer and entrepreneur, he shows his long-hidden talent as a painter. The striking works of this creative jack-of-all-trades are inspired by the Cobra group, abstract and neo-expressionism.

Van Droo's style is eclectic, expressive and diverse. Once in front of an empty canvas, he undergoes an inner metamorphosis. His modesty is replaced by an immense exuberance. Whereas a designer he always has to take into account matters such as functionality and feasibility, as a painter he can fully indulge himself in his works of art without any restrictions. His paintings are therefore imbued with that freedom and rebellion. Van Droo also literally colors outside the lines. "Outside the box is always more exciting," says the Dutch artist who starts off against the grain on an empty but framed canvas and then completely ignores the strict outline while painting. A characteristic of a Van Droo painting is that the frame is an important part of its creation.

Just as music can touch you without knowing what the piece is actually about, a painting can touch you with just color and shape. Van Droo therefore finds the subject or theme subordinate to the execution. According to him, the viewer must have total freedom of interpretation, without being influenced by screaming words or texts on a work of art. The messages in his works, whether hidden or not, do not have to reach the recipient. Van Droo’s mission is accomplished if someone gets a good feeling looking at his art work.

Van Droo has to get rid of his thoughts and paints them off his chest. In this emotionally creative process, he gives himself all the space to deviate from what he had previously envisioned. He works instinctively and does not shy away from any painting technique. If he lacks the right tool for a certain effect, he creates it. With intense brushstrokes, swirling lines, vivid colors, relief and contrast, he wants to evoke emotion in the viewer. Or better yet: achieve a spiritual connection.

If you ask Van Droo about his great example, he will not mention the great and deeply respected artists such as Willem de Kooning (1904-1997), Karel Appel (1921-2006) and Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). His great example is his mother. A strong woman who, despite severe handicaps, holds her own in this fast-paced world. Who also paints herself and conjures up creations in the most beautiful colors despite very limited vision. Who inspired him and encouraged him to pick up the brush again.

There always comes a time in your life when you start asking yourself what you are actually leaving behind on this planet. Choosing to remain childless raised a question mark for Van Droo. The knowledge that painting will always remain and is cherished by many gave him confirmation that starting to paint again was the only right step. Van Droo hopes to appeal to people with his works and to interest them in painting. Unfortunately, more time and attention is often spent on determining the color of a wall than on what will ultimately hang in front of it. As long as people hang mass-produced prints in a space that should be inspiring, there is still a lot of work to be done. Nothing is more beautiful than an original painting in your interior. A centerpiece to be proud of, a conversation piece, and in the case of Van Droo; an investment for life.